Serum chloride

Alternative names:

chloride - serum

What the risks are:

• excessive bleeding
• fainting or feeling lightheaded
• hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• multiple punctures to locate veins

Special considerations:

Drugs that may increase serum Cl- measurements include acetazolamide, ammonium chloride, androgens, chlorothiazide, cortisone, estrogen, guanethidine, hydrochlorothiazide, methyldopa, and NSAIDs.

Drugs that may decrease Cl- measurements include aldosterone (see the aldosterone test), drugs containing bicarbonate, some diuretics, and triamterene.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.